Keeping in touch with parentsUpdated 9 days ago
We’ve introduced a new messaging feature in the app to make it easier for you to stay in touch with parents once a booking has been confirmed. Here’s how it works:
'Message' Button
- Once a booking is Confirmed, a Message button will appear on your Booking Details screen.
- You can use this to send messages directly to the parent.
- The parent will receive your message via email, and also get a push notification saying “You have a new message.”
- Replies are handled via email – not through in-app chat – so the parent will tap a Reply button in the email to get back to you.
Calling Parents – When It's Available
- If the booking is less than 24 hours away, a Call button will also appear.
- Tapping Call will open your phone dialler with the parent’s number filled in – it won’t start the call immediately.
- This gives you the option to either go ahead with the call or decide not to (especially useful if it's an international number).
Note: You won’t see the parent’s phone number directly in the app. For privacy, we’ve replaced it with the Call function instead.
Sending a Courtesy message
It's important to contact the parents 60-90 mins before the booking start time (or the night before if it's a very early booking). This can be a message or a brief phone call.
This reassures them that everything’s OK and gives you both the chance to ask them anything particular you need to know, such as parking instructions, directions or any last-minute change.
🔒 When You Can Contact the Parent
You can contact the parent (via Message or Call) only after the booking has been Confirmed and up until the booking is Completed (Paid) or Cancelled.
- After the booking is marked as Completed – Paid or Cancelled, the Message and Call options will disappear.
- If someone tries to reply to a message after that time, they'll see an error message saying messaging is no longer available.
Key Points to Remember
- The Message button is available until the booking is completed or cancelled.
- Messages go via email, not an in-app chat.
- Push notifications prompt users to check their email to view and reply to messages.
- The Call button appears only within 24 hours of the booking start time.
- You and the parent will only be able to contact each other once the booking is confirmed.